A Legacy of Love and Faithful Leadership
As we prepare to bestow the title of Pastor Emeritus on Rev. Charles Johnson, I have been reflecting on who he has been to Second Baptist and to me.
Many of you have shared your memories of Charlie from his time as Senior Pastor from 1989 to 2001. Charlie moved the church in many ways, metaphorically and physically. As a dreamer, a visionary, and a passionate pastor, he wanted the very best for Second Baptist and its congregation.
One of the repeated comments I have heard is how Charlie loves well. And that is evident in the way he returned in the fall of 2023 to lead the church through a tough interim period. There was a lot of healing that needed to happen- with the congregation and with Charlie. And repeatedly, I have heard you and him talk about the beauty of that time, how healing occurred for so many.
I, of course, knew of Charlie. We had met a time or two at the CBF General Assembly. He later taught at McAfee, my seminary, after I had graduated. And he is among a group of ministers who just stand out in the moderate Baptist world, championing women, young ministers, and congregational ministry.
But when Charlie and I had our first phone conversation in the winter of 2025, when I was being interviewed by the search team, I felt a shift in my soul. I answered the phone to him, saying, “Pastor!” in his exuberant, booming voice. And from that moment, he became my pastor as well as yours.
Over the last year, we have talked and texted, dined and worshiped. We have laughed and even shed a few tears. So, when the VLT suggested we honor Charlie with the title Pastor Emeritus, it was a no-brainer for me.
The title Pastor Emeritus is an honorary designation given to a retired pastor in recognition of faithful and significant service to a congregation and the broader Church. It is a way of expressing gratitude for a ministry that helped shape the life, faith, and direction of a church community over many years. While a Pastor Emeritus no longer serves in an active on-staff pastoral role in the congregation where the title is given, the title reflects an ongoing relationship of respect, affection, and appreciation.
Charlie's impact on the broader church is one that I think needs to be noticed. It’s one that shows how he has answered the call of Christ to be a witness in many places. And he has been, is, and will be.
I hope you can join us on Sunday! If you cannot, I encourage you to reach out and express your appreciation to and for Charlie!
Peace,
Rev. Carrie Veal
Senior Pastor | Second Baptist Church
#SecondB #SecondBaptistLBK #PastorEmeritus #CharlieJohnson #PastorCarrieVeal #FaithfulLeadership #ChurchCommunity #CongregationalMinistry #LoveAllNow #EveryMemberAMinister